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The Devolution Deception
Osborne’s devo drive is about shifting the blame for austerity to powerless councils rather than broadening Britain’s democracy, believes GMB’s TIM ROACHE

BEING handed the power to control services which you cannot afford to deliver is the offer of a poisoned chalice. This is the inconvenient truth which sits at the heart of Tory devolution.

The attractions of devolution are obvious: services provided more democratically, bringing decision-making closer to communities, joined-up budgets, multiyear funding settlements and services responsive to local need.

George Osborne is travelling the regions to shout about — and woo local government leaders with — a vision of devolved power and investment to stimulate economic growth in areas crying out for real jobs. Up north, that means his “northern powerhouse.”

  • Tim Roache is GMB regional secretary for Yorkshire and north Derbyshire.
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